New Iberia Shipwreck
The wreckage of Teche, a steamship, lies buried below the surface at this site. The steamer, built in 1860, was originally named Sam Sugg and then Tom Sugg. It was constructed for commercial use with a small side-wheeled shallow draft western-style hull design. The Confederate Army subsequently converted the ship to a cottonclad warship to command the White River during the Civil War. After capture in Arkansas by the Union Army, Sugg was re-commissioned as U.S.S. Tensas, converted to an armored gunboat, outfitted with two 24-pounder howitzers and designated Tinclad No. 39 in the Third Division of the Mississippi Squadron. In 1865 after decommissioning, E.B. Trinidad of New Iberia purchased Tensas at an auction and renamed her Teche. The Attakapas Mail Transportation Company used Teche for trade between Morgan City and New Iberia, docking at the foot of the Weeks Street Landing. In 1868 after a wreck, the vessel was pulled against the shore for salvage. In 2004, Teche was discovered sunken at the present location and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in
this page online
Class........ Tinclad river gunboat
Built ...... 1860
Commissioned (CSN)....... Unknown
Purchased by U.S. Navy...... September 29, 1863
Commissioned U.S. Navy ...... 1863
Final Decommissioning ......August 17, 1865
Displacement.... . 62 tons
Length ....... 90 ft.
Beam (width)...... 22 ft.
Draft (depth)...... 3 ft., 6 in.
Propulsion... Sidewheel Steamer Two engines - 11" cylinder diameter 3 ft. length of piston stroke
Armament .....Two, 24-pounders
Shipwreck Identification Number ......... 16IB80
Erected by Iberia Parish.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is August 17, 1865.
Location. 30° 0.308′ N, 91° 48.961′ W. Marker is in New Iberia, Louisiana, in Iberia Parish. Marker can be reached from North Weeks Street south of East Main Street. Marker is located along the Bayou Teche Boardwalk, at the terminus of North Weeks Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: New Iberia LA 70560, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Bayou Teche (a few steps from this marker); Shadows-On-The Teche (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Murray Building
Also see . . . Iberia Parish Travel website. (Submitted on March 30, 2018, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana.)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 5, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 30, 2018, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 422 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 30, 2018.
